September 6, 2008 - Kalamazoo College vs. Denison University

KALAMAZOO - The Kalamazoo College football team opened the 2008 season with a 14-0 lead, but the Hornets were unable to stop Denison quarterback Mike Barnes as the Big Red won the season opener 49-27 at Angell Field on Saturday, Sept. 6. Kalamazoo led 14-0 early in the second quarter, but Denison rallied for 42 straight points in the second and third quarters. Kalamazoo scored twice in the fourth quarter to get to the final 49-27 score.

Kalamazoo took advantage of a turnover on Denison's opening possession and went 24 yards on five plays to take a 7-0 lead when Robbie Carollo punched in the touchdown from one yard out. The Hornets made it 14-0 when Brandon Luczak connected on a 20-yard pass to Cory McCain early in the second quarter. Denison responded on its next possession and scored three touchdowns to end the half with a 21-14 lead.

Denison made it 28-14 right out of halftime as the Big Red intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a score. Denison rounded out the third quarter with touchdown runs of 26 yards and 76 yards, the latter by Big Red quarterback Mike Barnes.

Kalamazoo freshman Adam Powers cut the lead to 42-20 with a three-yard touchdown on his first career carry. Denison came right back and made it 49-20 with another big run by Barnes, this time for 56 yards for a score.

Kalamazoo cut the score to 49-27 with 4:51 left in the game when freshman Nick Jones connected with fellow classmate Joseph Wilson for a 20-yard score.

Denison had 20 first downs in the game to Kalamazoo's 18. The Big Red rushed for 367 yards while limiting Kalamazoo to 41 yards on the ground. Denison passed for 186 yards while Kalamazoo gained 270 yards in the air.

Denison quarterback Mike Barnes rushed for 270 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns. He was 14-of-27 passing for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Kalamazoo's Robbie Carollo rushed for 31 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. Adam Powers had 11 yards on five carries along with three receptions in his first game.

Brandon Luczak was 19-of-40 passing for 242 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Freshman Nick Jones was 4-of-8 for 28 yards and a score.

Jimmy Semelsberger had nine catches for 103 yards. Cory McCain had five catches for 102 yards and a score. Brandon Baity had four catches for 34 yards.

Brandon Foutz led the Kalamazoo defense with eight tackles, including one sack and 2.5 tackles for lost yardage. Michael Herman had seven tackles and a pass breakup. Adam Manix had six tackles with two for lost yardage. Steve Charon and Mike Murray each had interception returns of 54 yards and seven yards, respectively.

Kalamazoo returns to action next Saturday, Sept. 13 at Rockford College (Ill.). The Hornets return home Sept. 20 to face Manchester College (Ind.) at 1 p.m.

Game Statistics